In this compelling episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews sits down with Will Bartholomew, the founder and CEO of D1 Training. From his early days as a three-sport high school athlete to playing football alongside Peyton Manning at the University of Tennessee, Will shares his incredible journey. After a series of knee injuries ended his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, Will channeled his passion and drive into creating D1 Training, a leading fitness franchise now with over 152 locations and an additional 250 in development. Listen as Will discusses his entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of passion, and the disciplined mindset that has led him to where he is today. Will also delves into balancing family life while building multiple businesses, the impact of NIL on youth sports, and the invaluable lessons learned from both successes and setbacks. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on achieving dreams, overcoming adversity, and the pivotal role of perseverance. Like, share, and subscribe for more insightful episodes.

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Find Will:

Twitter: x.com/d1sports

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-bartholomew-35b60789/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d1sports/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willbartholomew/

Website: https://www.d1training.com/

Youtube: @D1training

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Find Kyle: 

https://www.matthews.com

https://www.thematthewsmentalitypodcast.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo

Twitter: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-matthews-ceo/

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00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:58 Meet Will Bartholomew: From Athlete to Entrepreneur

01:42 The Birth of D1 Training

02:08 Early Challenges and Growth

04:06 Building a Lifestyle Company

05:56 The Importance of Passion and Persistence

10:26 Expanding the Vision

17:53 Lessons from Adversity

24:46 Franchising and Future Plans

28:08 The Real Estate Journey

28:25 Franchising the Concept

28:56 Exiting the Therapy Business

30:02 Rebuilding the D1 Model

31:15 The Impact of NIL on Business

33:43 Teaching Character Through Sports

35:58 The Growth Mindset

43:09 Advice for Entrepreneurs

45:54 Balancing Business and Family

51:13 Intentionality and Success

56:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections